Microsoft Expands Copilot AI While NVIDIA Boosts Smart City Projects

Generative artificial intelligence is set to significantly reshape daily life in 2026, influencing everything from personal devices to public services and commerce. This technology, which powers chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini, is altering how people interact with devices and browse the internet, with conversations with AI becoming increasingly common as voices sound more human. New gadgets may even begin to replace traditional smartphones. Major companies are actively integrating AI into their offerings. Microsoft, for instance, is expanding its Copilot AI assistant with a new Copilot Checkout feature, allowing users to chat about products and have an AI agent complete purchases through partners like Etsy, PayPal, Shopify, and Stripe. Meanwhile, Datavault AI is partnering with IBM and Available Infrastructure to launch a secure edge AI network using the SanQtum AI platform in New York and Philadelphia by Q1 2026, aiming to change data economics for businesses. SKYX Platforms Corp. also joined the NVIDIA Connect Program on January 8, 2026, to boost its AI-powered smart home platform, including a 4 billion smart city project in Miami, leveraging NVIDIA's advanced AI and cloud technology. AI is also making inroads into public safety and education. Lyon County Emergency Communication Center in Kansas is trialing an AI tool named "Betty" to handle ten types of non-emergency calls, freeing human 911 dispatchers for urgent situations. Dartmouth High School in Massachusetts is teaching AI literacy using Google Gemini, helping students with tasks like peer editing and research while adhering to privacy rules. In the entertainment sector, TV makers at CES 2026, including Samsung, Google, and Amazon, showcased new AI features like Google's Gemini for show recommendations and Amazon's Alexa Plus for scene jumping, though some critics find these features intrusive. However, the rapid expansion of AI also brings challenges and concerns. New AI toys, such as Sweekar's pocket pet and Tuya Smart's Fuzozo, debuted at CES 2026, prompting safety concerns from groups like U.S. PIRG Education Fund and a proposed bill by State Senator Steve Padilla to ban AI chatbots for children under 18 for four years. The incident where an AI-generated hoax on Reddit impacted DoorDash and Uber Eats highlights the potential for misinformation to harm company reputations. On the employment front, JPMorgan has replaced an entire proxy advisory job role with AI, demonstrating its capacity to automate professional tasks, while farmers are using AI for autonomous tractors and precise crop management to improve efficiency and reduce costs, with AI aiding human decision-making rather than replacing it.

Key Takeaways

• Generative AI, including chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini, will significantly change daily life in 2026, making conversations with AI more common.
• Microsoft's Copilot Checkout feature allows AI agents to complete purchases, partnering with Etsy, PayPal, Shopify, and Stripe.
• Datavault AI, IBM, and Available Infrastructure are launching a secure edge AI network in New York and Philadelphia by Q1 2026 using the SanQtum AI platform.
• SKYX Platforms Corp. joined the NVIDIA Connect Program on January 8, 2026, to enhance its AI-powered smart home platform and a 4 billion smart city project in Miami.
• New AI toys at CES 2026, like Sweekar's pocket pet and Tuya Smart's Fuzozo, raised safety concerns, leading to a proposed bill in California to ban AI chatbots for minors.
• Lyon County Emergency Communication Center is trialing an AI tool, "Betty," to handle non-emergency 911 calls, reducing dispatcher workload.
• JPMorgan has replaced an entire proxy advisory job role with AI, demonstrating AI's impact on professional tasks.
• Dartmouth High School is teaching AI literacy using Google Gemini, preparing students for future challenges.
• TV makers, including Samsung, Google (Gemini), and Amazon (Alexa Plus), showcased new AI features at CES 2026 to enhance viewing experiences.
• Farmers are using AI for autonomous tractors, selective spraying, and crop problem diagnosis to improve efficiency and reduce costs, aiding human decision-making.

Datavault AI IBM Partner for Edge AI in New York and Philadelphia

Datavault AI is expanding its work with IBM and Available Infrastructure to bring advanced AI to New York and Philadelphia. They will use the SanQtum AI platform to create a secure network for handling data at the edge. This allows real-time data tokenization, security, and monetization without relying on public clouds. Nathaniel Bradley, CEO of Datavault AI, believes this will change data economics for businesses like media and sports organizations. The service will launch in Q1 2026, with plans for wider expansion.

SKYX Platforms Teams with NVIDIA for Smart Home AI

SKYX Platforms Corp. joined the NVIDIA Connect Program on January 8, 2026. This partnership will boost SKYX's AI-powered smart home platform and hub. They will use NVIDIA's advanced AI and cloud technology for projects, including a 4 billion smart city in Miami. The collaboration aims to speed up development and improve safety intelligence and real-time data analysis. SKYX also expects to earn ongoing income from AI services and subscriptions.

Datavault AI IBM Partner for Edge AI in New York and Philadelphia

Datavault AI is expanding its work with IBM and Available Infrastructure to bring advanced AI to New York and Philadelphia. They will use the SanQtum AI platform to create a secure network for handling data at the edge. This allows real-time data tokenization, security, and monetization without relying on public clouds. Nathaniel Bradley, CEO of Datavault AI, believes this will change data economics for businesses like media and sports organizations. The service will launch in Q1 2026, with plans for wider expansion.

New AI Toys Debut at CES 2026 Raising Safety Concerns

New AI toys, like Sweekar's pocket pet and Tuya Smart's Fuzozo, launched at CES 2026 in Las Vegas. Tech analyst Mark Vena noted these toys can grow with a child. However, consumer group U.S. PIRG Education Fund raised safety concerns in its "Trouble in Toyland" report. Advocate Fiona Hines also questioned the long-term impact on child development. State Senator Steve Padilla introduced a bill to ban AI chatbots for children under 18 for four years, urging parents to stay informed.

New AI Toys Debut at CES 2026 Raising Safety Concerns

New AI toys, like Sweekar's pocket pet and Tuya Smart's Fuzozo, launched at CES 2026 in Las Vegas. Tech analyst Mark Vena noted these toys can grow with a child. However, consumer group U.S. PIRG Education Fund raised safety concerns in its "Trouble in Toyland" report. Advocate Fiona Hines also questioned the long-term impact on child development. State Senator Steve Padilla introduced a bill to ban AI chatbots for children under 18 for four years, urging parents to stay informed.

Lyon County Uses AI Tool Betty to Help 911 Dispatchers

The Lyon County Emergency Communication Center in Emporia, Kansas, is using a new AI tool named "Betty" to help with staff shortages. Betty handles ten types of non-emergency calls, such as minor accidents and animal concerns. This allows human dispatchers to focus on urgent emergencies and reduces their workload. LCECC director Roxanne Van Gundy states Betty works alongside humans and sends calls to a dispatcher if they become serious. The center is currently in a four-month trial period for this technology.

AI Will Transform Daily Life in 2026

Generative artificial intelligence will significantly change daily life in 2026. This technology, which powers chatbots, is already altering how people use devices and browse the internet. New gadgets might even replace smartphones, and self-driving cars like Google's Waymo are expanding. A major trend is that people will talk to their computers more often. As AI voices sound more human, conversations with AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini will become a common part of life.

JPMorgan Replaces Proxy Advisory Job with AI

JPMorgan has eliminated an entire job role by using artificial intelligence. AI is now handling tasks previously done by external proxy advisory services, which provide corporate governance opinions to investors. This change allows AI to take responsibility for decisions. However, this specific case may not reflect a wider trend for all investment banking jobs. Separately, the Eisler Capital hedge fund failed due to high staff costs, not poor investments.

DoorDash and Uber Eats Address AI-Generated Hoax

DoorDash and Uber Eats responded to a widespread AI-generated hoax on Reddit. A user pretending to be a food delivery app developer posted false information that gained millions of views. DoorDash CEO Tony Xu and Uber executive Andrew Macdonald addressed the claims. DoorDash spokesperson Jenn Jarvis-Shean stated the company quickly responded to correct the misinformation. This event highlights how AI-assisted fake news can harm company reputations.

Microsoft Copilot Now Offers Automated Shopping Feature

Microsoft continues to integrate its AI assistant, Copilot, into many products. The company is launching a new feature called Copilot Checkout. This allows users to chat with Copilot about products and then have an AI agent complete purchases for them. Copilot Checkout will be available on Copilot.com and partners with companies like Etsy, PayPal, Shopify, and Stripe. Microsoft aims to make Copilot an essential tool for users, despite some privacy concerns.

Dartmouth High School Teaches Students AI Literacy

Dartmouth High School in Massachusetts is integrating artificial intelligence into its education to teach students AI literacy. English teacher Jessica Brittingham and Principal Ryan Shea believe this skill is vital for students' futures. The school uses Google Gemini, which follows privacy rules and helps students learn through a Socratic method. Students can use AI for tasks like peer editing and research, while teachers use it for lesson planning. Although concerns exist about AI mistakes and other impacts, school officials feel the benefits of preparing students for the future are greater.

TV Makers Showcase Many New AI Features at CES 2026

At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, TV makers introduced many new AI features as TV sales remain flat. Companies like Samsung, Google, and Amazon are adding AI to enhance viewing experiences. Google's Gemini on TV offers show recommendations and explanations, while Amazon's Alexa Plus allows users to jump to specific scenes. LG uses voice recognition to personalize recommendations. Some critics, however, find these AI features can be too intrusive, often minimizing the main video to display extra information.

Farmers Use AI to Improve Efficiency and Reduce Costs

Farmers are already using artificial intelligence to make important decisions and improve farm operations. Scott Shearer from Ohio State explains that AI helps with autonomous tractors and selective spraying, which reduces chemical use and benefits the environment. This technology is expanding to nutrient and pest control, offering precise input application. AI will also provide farmers with guidance and recommendations, such as diagnosing crop problems from images. While AI is powerful, it will always aid human farmers rather than replace them, making them more accurate in their work.

Sources

• Datavault AI Expands IBM Collaboration to Deploy Enterprise-Grade AI at the Edge with Available Infrastructure’s SanQtum AI Platform
• SKYX Platforms Joins NVIDIA Connect Program to Enhance AI-Powered Smart Home Solutions
• Datavault AI Expands IBM Collaboration to Deploy Enterprise-Grade AI at the Edge with Available Infrastructure’s SanQtum AI Platform
• Are AI toys safe? Companion products debut at CES 2026 amid speculation on child impact
• Are AI toys safe? Companion products debut at CES 2026 amid speculation on child impact
• Lyon Co. Emergency Communications Center leans into artificial intelligence to cope with strain of staffing shortage
• The Tech That Will Invade Our Lives in 2026
• Morning Coffee: JPMorgan eliminates an entire job thanks to AI. The hedge fund that spent too much
• DoorDash and Uber Eats respond to AI hoax
• Microsoft Forced Copilot Into Your Life. Now It Can Accidentally Drain Your Bank Account
• Artificial Intelligence is aiding natural intelligence at the Dartmouth public schools
• TV makers are taking AI too far
• Artificial intelligence: A new kind of farmhand